Just Play

It seems like there are so many activities in the month of December (and even the end of November) that there isn't anytime to just play. Well we decided that we would take the morning off of the Christmas bandwagon and take a walk/ play on the playground and pull out the trikes. The weather was crisp and it was  a fun and relaxing time. I'm glad we took a few hours to just play. 

Growing Up

When you see a child everyday sometimes it's hard just to see how much they are growing. Audrey in the last 2 weeks has changed so much that even I have had to take notice. She is saying a lot of words, she started having a much longer attention span, and she has become very opinionated about certain things. She loves to have a say in what she wears- sometimes she makes me change her clothes half way through the day just because she sees something she likes better in her closet.  She loves shoes and likes to be in charge of picking out the shoes for the day for everyone in the house.  She has decided that Blues Blues is the best thing ever- she LOVES cats and dogs (in theory more then in person) and loves the fact that this whole show is about a blue dog. She has started playing with Duplos (toddler legos) and every time she pulls them out she immediately digs through the boxes looking for the cat.  

She is sweet and nurturing- she loves taking care of her baby dolls. If anyone around her cries- even children she doesn't know she creases up her forehead and is very concerned. She doesn't feel better until she knows that the baby is being taken care of. 

She thinks she can say anything and gets really frustrated if I don't understand the words. If she wants something really badly she will get about 1 inch away from your face and repeat it slowly with a big smile on her face. Yeah she knows how to manipulate me!

Melt My Heart

Today while Ryan was getting ready to leave for school he gave his little sister a hug goodbye and very quietly told her "I will miss you all day long but I will come home after school is done."

Christmas Parade

We went to our town Christmas parade today with our very good friends. It was a lot of fun and all the kids seem to really enjoy themselves. There were motorcycles, police cars, marching bands, dancers and so much more- what kid wouldn't like that? It was the first time we had gone and I think we might just make it a tradition. 

 

Santa Event at the Park

Last night Ryan and I went to a park re-opening Christmas event. It was a little cold and a little packed but we were in good company so it all worked out. We also discovered that the new park is super cool and will be fun when it thaws out (spring/ summer).  

Also for your entertainment, Ryan's second version of a letter to Santa:

Santa Letter #2

Dear Santa,

I would like choo choo trains and can you bring me a box? Can you bring Trains for Audrey and me? Cars. Bat and Ball. Can you get me a Christmas tree? I need a tree for Uncle David. Merry Christmas.

Ryan. 

Santa Train

We went on the Santa train again this year. The weather was so much better this year (not snowing and freezing like last year) and we went with 3 other families so there were more friends to play with. The kids were great and seemed to really enjoy the whole event- they even accepted Santa, they didn't LIKE him but they didn't freak out either.  

Ryan's Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I like trains, I chug them.  I like Milk, only big boys like milk. I just listen. I like to play with doctor toys. I like other toys. We have number boxes. My friends should get presents this year. I love the ipad. 

Love Ryan

End of Soccer

When you sign a 3 year old up for a class of any type you really have no idea if they will actually enjoy the class. Honestly you don't even know week to week- they will love it one time and hate it the next. Well we finished up soccer with Ryan this week.  It was such a battle every week to get him to go, participate, etc. that we decided not to sign him up for the next session. He was in the class with his friends so I don't really know what else we could do it make him like it more. He likes soccer when not in the class (which is why we originally signed him up) but the second we say "let's get ready for soccer practice" all hell breaks loose. The above picture was taken at the ceremony where they give out medals to everyone that participated- he was obviously enjoying himself.

Idol

When Ryan was Audrey's age he idolized his Uncle David, he tried to be like him, wanted him around all the time etc. Well it's Audrey's turn but she idolizes her big brother. She wants to play what he plays and if we go out she won't hold my hand because she wants to hold her brothers. Ryan luckily is a good sport and will allow her to hang all over him. Here are a few pictures of the two of them on a short walk we took today. 

Hand me Downs

We got a huge box in the mail today from one of my dearest friends Nicki. She sent lots of clothes her daughter has grown out of and Christmas presents. She has the best taste when it comes to clothes so I am so excited to get Audrey into the clothes- you will likely notice Audrey decked out in some super cute stuff ( I sent her Ryan's stuff- ie lot's of jeans and long sleeved shirts). As I was sorting Audrey found a bee costume in the box and became instantly obsessed. She had to put it on right away. I have a feeling everyday is going to be Halloween in our house for awhile! Thank you Nicki for all the great stuff!

Playing in the Leaves

Family Time

One of the best parts of the Holidays is my family coming together. My brother who lives in Chicago came for an extended weekend, the longest he has visited since moving away and he is coming back in less then a month for Christmas!